3D printing involves addition of consecutive layers of materials until the object is created in three-dimensional form. This technology is expected to meet growing needs of healthcare by providing specially configured medical devices. Furthermore, this process reduces burden on doctors to execute complex surgeries involving risk of infection and also reduces duration of exposure to anesthesia.

Increasing technological advances in 3D printed implants such as development of CT-Bone, bone identical customized implant for use in mandible and zygoma augmentation process should boost business growth. Its controlled porosity enables it to fit anatomy of the patient, thus, predominantly driving industry growth. Moreover, increase in healthcare expenditure, rise in R&D investment, surge in number of medical surgeries and increasing scope of 3D technology in biomedical application will spur revenue size during the forecast period. However, factors such as high cost of printers, longer production timelines, lack of skilled employees and lack of in-house additive manufacturing resources is expected to hinder 3D printed implants market growth over the coming years.

Material segment will witness significant growth during the forecast period. Flexibility of 3D printing to minimize additional set up costs coupled with manufacturers’ capabilities to create devices to match patient’s anatomy will drive segmental growth. Medical devices produced by 3D printing such as orthopedic as well as cranial implants, surgical instruments and dental restorations will positively impact business growth.

Laser beam melting segment is estimated to hold significant revenue share during the forecast period. Segment growth is attributed to superior ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and high anisotropy of mechanical properties possessed by processed materials. Growing demand for 3D printed implants in rapid prototyping and fabrication of various components will further propel industry growth.

Orthopedic segment accounted for significant revenue in 2018. Adoption of metallic as well as polymeric implants for complex reconstructions such as tumor surgeries and craniomaxillofacial surgeries will drive segmental growth. Fabricating complex geometric structures as well as internal support structures, that allow engineering porous structures similar to human anatomy will increase adoption of these implants.

Pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies segment is projected to show robust growth over the forecast period. Growing focus of companies on technological innovation and development of customized devices will favor segmental growth. Furthermore, benefits of 3D implants such as high resolution, precisely shaped design, good fidelity of patient anatomy, aesthetic and functional outcome, reduction in risk of intraoperative complications as well as reduction in time & cost of surgical procedures should further boost industry growth.

North America accounted for momentous share in 3D printed implants market and is expected to follow similar trend during the forecast period. High preference towards technologically advanced products to maintain better health of individuals will favor regional growth. Increasing demand for medical implants, reduction in cost of implantation procedures and availability of skilled surgeons in the region will augment the regional business growth.